Maryland university campus representing information systems education
Updated December 2025

Best Information Systems Programs in Maryland: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 18 top accredited information systems programs in Maryland. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville.

Programs Ranked18
Median Salary$122,420
Cost of Living109.4%
Tech Hubs3

Top 3 Information Systems Programs in Maryland 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

University of Maryland Global Campus

Adelphi, MDPublic

2001 information systems graduates annually, 74% graduation rate

$8K
Tuition/yr
74%
Grad Rate
84.4
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MDPrivate

352 information systems graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$63K
Tuition/yr
65.5
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MDPublic

275 information systems graduates annually, 84% graduation rate

$10K
Tuition/yr
84%
Grad Rate
64.9
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Maryland offers 18+ accredited information systems programs across public and private universities
  • 2.University of Maryland Global Campus leads with 74% graduation rate
  • 3.Maryland software developers earn median $122,420 annually (BLS OES 2024)
  • 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville
  • 5.Cost of living index: 109.4% of US average (above average)

Information Systems Education in Maryland: Overview

Maryland offers 18 accredited information systems programs, producing approximately 3,267 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville, with major employers including NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL.

With a median software developer salary of $122,420 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 109.4% compared to the US average, Maryland offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.

The top information systems programs in the state are led by University of Maryland Global Campus, Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland-College Park, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

Ranking Methodology

Based on 18 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Information Systems degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

Maryland-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024

Maryland Information Systems Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1University of Maryland Global CampusAdelphi, MDPublic$7,63274%84.4
2Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MDPrivate$62,840โ€”65.5
3University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park, MDPublic$9,88984%64.9
4Towson UniversityTowson, MDPublic$7,38291%57.5
5University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyBaltimore, MDPublic$9,23890%57.3
6Salisbury UniversitySalisbury, MDPublic$7,70697%51.5
7United States Naval AcademyAnnapolis, MDPublic$0โ€”49.1
8Loyola University MarylandBaltimore, MDPrivate$55,48092%47
9Strayer University-MarylandSuitland, MDFor-Profit$13,725โ€”44.7
10Stevenson UniversityOwings Mills, MDPrivate$36,94087%44.5
11Washington Adventist UniversityTakoma Park, MDPrivate$23,400โ€”41.4
12Coppin State UniversityBaltimore, MDPublic$4,933โ€”40.7
13Notre Dame of Maryland UniversityBaltimore, MDPrivate$40,43081%40.5
14Morgan State UniversityBaltimore, MDPublic$5,58752%37.5
15McDaniel CollegeWestminster, MDPrivate$48,672โ€”36.2
16Frostburg State UniversityFrostburg, MDPublic$7,110โ€”35.6
17University of BaltimoreBaltimore, MDPublic$7,442โ€”35.4
18Bowie State UniversityBowie, MDPublic$5,993โ€”35.2

Top 5 Information Systems Programs in Maryland: Side-by-Side

SchoolUMGCJohns HopkinsUMD College ParkTowsonUMBC
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$7,632
$62,840
$9,889
$7,382
$9,238
Graduation Rate
74%
N/A%
84%
91%
90%
Annual Graduates
2001
352
275
225
169
Acceptance Rate
N/A
8%
45%
83%
74%
Type
Public
Private
Public
Public
Public
Score
84.4/100
65.5/100
64.9/100
57.5/100
57.3/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Systems in Maryland

Maryland offers 15 bachelor's-level information systems programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Maryland Global Campus, University of Maryland-College Park, University of Maryland-Baltimore County. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $85,694 in the Maryland market.

A bachelor's in information systems typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Systems Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 Information Systems Bachelor's Programs in Maryland

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 UMGC
$7,632
74%
2001
84.4
#2 UMD College Park
$9,889
84%
782
74.3
#3 UMBC
$9,238
90%
226
59.0

Top Information Systems Schools for Master's Degrees in Maryland

For graduate study, Maryland offers 11 master's-level information systems programs. Leading institutions include Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland Global Campus, University of Maryland-College Park. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Maryland reaching $159,146 or more.

Top 3 Information Systems Master's Programs in Maryland

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Johns Hopkins
$62,840
N/A%
352
65.5
#2 UMGC
$7,632
74%
394
84.4
#3 UMD College Park
$9,889
84%
275
64.9

Most Affordable Information Systems Colleges in Maryland

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information systems programs in Maryland are at Coppin State University ($4,933/year), Morgan State University ($5,587/year), Bowie State University ($5,993/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Maryland's competitive tech salaries.

At Coppin State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $19,732 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $85,694, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years. See our Most Affordable Information Systems Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Information Systems Programs in Maryland (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 Coppin State
$4,933
$19,732
0.4 years
Public
#2 Morgan State
$5,587
$22,348
0.4 years
Public
#3 Bowie State
$5,993
$23,972
0.5 years
Public

Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Information Systems Schools in Maryland

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information systems programs in Maryland, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.

#1

University of Maryland Global Campus

Adelphi, MD โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $7,632 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 74% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Systems Graduates: 2,001 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 84.4 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 74% graduation rate
  • 2,001 information systems graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 84.4 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (74%), program size (2,001 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

UMGC's Management Information Systems program was developed by chief information officers and other high-level IT professionals, specifically designed to bridge the gap between an organization's functional users and technical developers. The program offers an accelerated pathway to reduce graduate coursework by up to 6 credits and can help prepare students for industry certifications including CAPM and PMP.

Admissions
  • Transfer Friendly
Program Details
  • Credits: 120 credits
#2

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $62,840 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Systems Graduates: 352 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 8%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 65.5 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 352 information systems graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 65.5 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (352 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (8% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

Johns Hopkins offers STEM-designated programs that bridge technology and business with AI-centered curriculum including machine learning, generative AI, and cybersecurity. The programs are located in Washington D.C. at a state-of-the-art facility and offer Optional Practical Training STEM Extension benefits for international students.

Admission Prerequisites
  • โ€ขOne year of college math (2 semesters or 3 quarters) which must include at least one semester of Calculus
  • โ€ขOne semester/term of Java or Python
  • โ€ขOne semester of statistics or quantitative methods
  • โ€ขOne semester/term of Data Structures (conditionally required for selected courses)
Admissions
  • Min GPA: 3.0
  • Transfer Friendly
Program Details
  • Credits: 36 credits
Career Outcomes
  • Top Employers: IBM
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Information Systems and Artificial Intelligence for BusinessGeographic Information SystemsInformation Systems Engineering
#3

University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MD โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $9,889 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 84% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Systems Graduates: 275 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 45%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 64.9 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 84% graduation rate
  • 275 information systems graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 64.9 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (84%), program size (275 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (45% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#4

Towson University

Towson, MD โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $7,382 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Systems Graduates: 225 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 57.5 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 91% graduation rate
  • 225 information systems graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 57.5 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (225 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (83% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#5

University of Maryland-Baltimore County

Baltimore, MD โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $9,238 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Systems Graduates: 169 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 57.3 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 90% graduation rate
  • 169 information systems graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 57.3 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (169 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (74% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

$85,694
Starting Salary
$122,420
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
6,883
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$137,508

Data Scientist

SOC 15-2051
+35%

Data Scientist opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$124,960

DevOps Engineer

SOC 15-1244
+22%

DevOps Engineer opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$123,617

AI/ML Engineer

SOC 15-1299
+23%

AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$119,180
+33%

Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$131,511

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Maryland if...
  • You want access to tech jobs in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville
  • You're seeking competitive salaries ($122,420 median)
  • You want to work at companies like NSA or Lockheed Martin
  • You prefer Maryland's quality of life
Consider other states if...
  • You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
  • You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Maryland's 18)
  • You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)

Other Tech Degree Programs in Maryland

Explore artificial intelligence programs in Maryland

Explore machine learning programs in Maryland

Explore data science programs in Maryland

36 programs
+35% growth
Explore Data Science in Maryland

Explore data analytics programs in Maryland

Explore cybersecurity programs in Maryland

32 programs
+33% growth
Explore Cybersecurity in Maryland

Explore information security programs in Maryland

Explore software engineering programs in Maryland

Explore computer science programs in Maryland

Explore computer engineering programs in Maryland

Information Systems Programs in Other States

Information Systems in Maryland FAQ

Related Resources

Data Sources & Methodology

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Maryland salary data

2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

Taylor Rupe

Taylor Rupe

Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)

Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.